Recent developments in the world of hard drive resales have raised significant concerns regarding the authenticity of Seagate HDDs being sold as new. As investigations unfold, it has become apparent that many drives previously utilized in Chinese Chia cryptocurrency mining farms are being repackaged and marketed deceptively. This article delves into the details surrounding this issue, the measures taken by Seagate, and what affected buyers can do.
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Investigation Findings
An investigation conducted by Heise revealed alarming findings about the resale of Seagate hard drives. The report indicates that a substantial number of high-mileage drives have surfaced in markets across Europe, Australia, Thailand, and Japan. These drives were initially intended for rigorous use in environments such as data centers, specifically the Seagate Exos models. They were found to have accrued thousands of hours of operational time despite being marketed as brand-new products.
Mining and Market Issues
The surge in demand for storage solutions was significantly driven by the popularity of Chia mining during the cryptocurrency boom. As enthusiasts sought to maximize their mining profits, they turned to high-capacity HDDs, resulting in unprecedented demand. However, as profits began to decline, numerous mining operations shuttered their doors and liquidated their assets, flooding the market with these used drives.
This has led to various retailers encountering challenges when reselling these hard drives, often without realizing their previous usage. Consumers, misled by the marketing tactics employed, are now left wondering about the integrity of their purchases.
Tools for Buyers
In light of these revelations, concerned buyers can take proactive steps to verify the history of their Seagate HDDs. It is recommended to utilize specific diagnostic tools to check the usage history of these drives. While SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) parameters can be reset to obscure prior use, there exists a more reliable method to validate the operational history through FARM (Field Accessible Reliability Metrics) values.
To check these values, users can execute the following command using Smartmontools version 7.4 or higher:
- Command: smartctl -l farm /dev/sda
Alternatively, users can utilize the Seagate Seatools software to inspect a drive’s operational history thoroughly. This method ensures buyers can ascertain whether their purchases align with the claims made at sale.
Seagate has publicly denied any involvement in these fraudulent resales, emphasizing its commitment to distributing genuine products solely through authorized channels. The company suspects the used drives may have transitioned to the secondary market before reaching consumers, thus obscuring their true status.
Retailer Responses
In response to the ongoing crisis, affected retailers are rapidly mobilizing to address customer concerns. Various retailers have initiated support systems for those impacted by these events. For instance:
- Galaxus: Established online help pages to assist customers who may have purchased compromised drives.
- Proshop: Offering free returns and replacements for affected HDDs.
- Alternate: A German retailer that has disavowed knowledge of the incidents but encourages customers to report any suspicious transactions.
- Wortmann: Insists on verifying the authenticity of drives before issuing any form of compensation.
Seagate has not only launched a comprehensive investigation into the matter but has also appealed to buyers to report any dubious purchases directly to fraud@seagate.com.
As the tech landscape evolves, it becomes increasingly essential for consumers to remain vigilant, particularly concerning their recent purchases in storage technology. Resources and tools are available to ensure that buyers are equipped to navigate any complexities regarding the authenticity of their hardware. As the situation develops, both Seagate and retailers will continue working towards maintaining trust within the market.
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